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Anderson makes first career start in left field

Anderson makes first career start in left field

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Lars Anderson

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MLB.com |

CHICAGO -- Lars Anderson received his first career start in left field for the Red Sox in Thursday's series opener against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

Anderson, who was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, is a natural first baseman and has played there almost exclusively throughout his Minor League career and during his brief stints in the Majors.

The 24-year-old played four games in left before being brought up earlier this week to fill the roster spot vacated by outfielder Jason Repko, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a separated left shoulder. Manager Bobby Valentine is comfortable having Anderson in the outfield, but he admits the Red Sox don't know exactly what they're going to get.

"I've been watching him for four days. He's good off the fungo and the reports on him are he caught everything that was hit to him when he played, so we'll see," Valentine said. "[He] hasn't been challenged and I would say the wind and big league hitters will challenge him a little more than he's been challenged before. He feels good about it."

Anderson is starting instead of Cody Ross, who left Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Twins after tweaking his left knee, which the outfielder said afterward was a "little sore." Valentine said if Boston had an off-day Friday, Ross would play in the series opener, but the manager opted not to push it.

"No need to make anything worse," Valentine said. "Try to see if we can put this little small issue in the rearview mirror."